Releasing heel retainer

ABSTRACT

Heel retainer for ski binding releasable against spring bias, having a housing with a sole retaining part and a stepping spur pivotable in the manner of a sliding crank about a forward, horizontal axis of a fixed base portion disposed transversely of the longitudinal extent of the ski and slidably guided in its rearward area on the fixed base portion, where at least in the retaining position the linkage point of the crank on the housing is located ahead of the linkage point of the crank on the fixed base portion, and the stepping spur is movably journalled on or in the housing and the crank is operatively connected with the stepping spur in a manner that it moves the same while rocking the housing from retaining position to release position out of the housing into a position suitable for engagement with the heel of the boot, and also pulls it into the housing during the rocking movement of the housing from the release position into the retaining position.

[ Mar. 19, 974

[ RELEASING HEEL RETAINER [76] Inventor: Paul Unger, Bruckwieschstr, 113,

8501 Altenberg near Nuremberg, Germany [22] Filed: Sept. 13, 1971 [21] Appl. No.: 179,662

[30] Foreign Application Priority Data Sept. l7. 1970 Germany i. 2045901 [52] US. Cl 280/1135 T [51] Int. Cl. A63c 9/00 [58] Field of Search 280/1135 T [56] References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 3,612.561 l0/l97l Marker 280/1135 3,529,844 9/1970 Salomon 280/1135 Primary Examiner-Robert R. Song Attorney, Agent, or FirmRobert H. Jacob 5 7 ABSTACT Heel retainer for ski binding releasable against spring bias, having a housing with a sole retaining part and a stepping spur pivotable in the manner of a sliding crank about a forward, horizontal axis of a fixed base portion disposed transversely of the longitudinal extent of the ski and slidably guided in its rearward area on the fixed base portion, where at least in the retaining position the linkage point of the crank on the housing is located ahead of the linkage point of the crank on the fixed base portion, and the stepping spur is movably journalled on or in the housing and the crank is operatively connected with the stepping spur in a manner that it moves the same while rocking the housing from retaining position to release position out of the housing into a position suitable for engagement with the heel of the boot, and also pulls it into the housing during the rocking movement of the housing from the release position into the retaining position.

6 Claims, 7 Drawing Figures PATENTEBMAR 1 9 191 4 SHiU 1 BF 2 RELEASING HEEL RETAINER BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION The invention relates to ski bindings and is especially concerned with heel retainers for ski bindings.

More in particular, the invention relates to a heel retainer for ski bindings which is releasable against spring action, the housing of which carries a sole retaining member and a stepping spur. In this connection, the linking of the housing to a base portion fixed to the ski is known which is of the type-of a thrust crank. The housing there is pivotable about a forward horizontal axis on the fixed base portion that extends transversely to the longitudinal extent of the ski, and which is furthermore slidably guided at its rearward portion on the fixed base In in this connection the linkage of the crank to the housing is disposed at least in the retaining position, ahead of the linkage point of the crank on the fixed stationary base portion. By these means it is accomplished that during the release movement of the binding that the sole retaining part resting on the heel passes along a path in the form of an arc that extends first steeply upwardly and then flattens out rearwardly. Thus, there is provided in the first part of the release movement a relatively large height elasticity. In the second part of the release path the exact release of the boot of the heel is effected, then after release the housing of the binding is correspondingly displaced rearwardly with the sole retaining portion and thus sufficiently frees the heel. On the other hand, however, the housing does not include an angle which in the released position is too steep with respect to the surface of the ski. An angle which is so steep, to be sure, makes the pressing down of the housing from the release position into the retaining position difficult, and particularly then when the ski assumes an oblique position at a slope.

With heel retainers of the type described above, and also with other known heel retainers having a stepping spur, the same is rigidly fixed to thehousing or to a forward part that is similar to the housing. Between it and the sole retaining part disposed above it, the rearward end of the sole is clampingly held in the retaining position of the binding, while it rests on the stepping spur. In a disadvantageous manner the introduction of the rearward end of the sole into the space between the sole retaining part and the stepping spur frequently causes difficulties especially when the bottom part of the sole is crusted with ice and snow. This can result in that the inserting of the rearward end of the sole in this space becomes entirely impossible. To eliminate this shortcoming, arrangements are known which widen the angle defined by the sole retaining part and the stepping spur during transit from the retaining to the release position as well as during movement in the opposite direction. These devices are very complicated. A large number of joint connections or pivot connections are needed. If the bottom side of the sole is very strongly filled with snow or ice, there still result difficulties during the introduction of the rearward sole edge in spite of this mouthlike opening.

A further disadvantage of the known heel retainers having the stepping spur fixedly mounted on the housing resides in that during the movement from the release to the holding position, the sknow that has meanwhile reached the surface of the ski presses itself from SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The invention is based on the problem of avoiding the shortcomings explained above in a ski retainer of the aforementioned type of construction, while taking care that for the downward moving of the housing of the ski retainer from the released position to the retaining position the stepping spur is available to be seized by the heel of the boot.

In order to solve this problem, the invention provides I that the stepping spur is movably journalled on or in the housing, and that the crank is in operative connection with the stepping spur in such a manner, that while rocking the housing out of the retaining position into the release position out of the housing it moves it into a position that is suitable for the heel of the boot to engage it or rest thereon, as well as to pull it in during rocking movement of the housing from the release position into the retaining position in the housing. During the rocking movement ,of the housing from the retaining into release position and vice versa, the crank effects a forced movement. In accordance with the invention, this movement is utilized for bringing the stepping spur into the desired position. To be sure, the stepping spur is available when the retainer is released to be stepped down or seized by the heel of the ski boot. In the retaining position, i.e., in the riding position, however, the mentioned shortcomings of the known retainers are avoided. The devices described for increasing or decreasing the angle between the retaining part and the stepping spur during opening or closing of the binding are not needed.

Thus, the retractable stepping spur here functions less as a stepping surface than a control guiding means.

The invention can be realized in a structurally simple BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS Further advantages and features of the invention will become apparant from the embodiments described hereinafter and illustrated in the drawings in which:

FIG. 1 is a side view partly in section of a first embodiment of the invention in retaining position,

FIG. 2 is a view of the heel retainer in accordance with FIG. 1 in the released position with the associated boot,

FIGS. 3a and 3b show a partial illustration of a further embodiment of the invention in a side view,

FIG. 4 shows a section of the stepping spur taken along line A-A in FIG. 3, and

FIGS. 5 and 6 show a third embodiment of the invention in the retaining position and in position of release.

DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION The housing 1 supports a sole retainer portion 2 which is preferably rigidly mounted thereon and a stepping spur 3, the function of which will be explained more in detail hereinafter. The housing is pivotally movable by means of a crank 4 about a forward horizontal axis A1 of a stationary base member 5, which axis is disposed transversely with respect to the longitudinal extent of the ski. Furthermore, the housing is slidably guided or journalled at its rearward portion on the base member 5. For this purpose a sliding bearing 6 of the base member and a stud or bolt 7 on the housing are provided in this embodiment. By these means the housing is provided or linked to the stationary base portion in the manner ofa sliding crank where the housing constitutes the connecting rod and the part 4, the crank. At least in the retaining position the joint portion A2 of the crank is on the housing 1 ahead of the joint portion A1 of the crank on the stationary portion. Furthermore, a spring 8 journalled in the housing is provided, the effect of which is likewise described hereinafter.

The stepping spur 3 is pivotally mounted on the housing 1 in such a manner that it may optionally be disposed in the housing (retaining position of FIG. 1) or that it projects outwardly therefrom for seizing and downward stepping by means of the heel of the boot. The movement of the stepping spur from one of the two positions into the other is positively effected by the simultaneous movement of crank 4. For stepping down the binding into the position of FIG. 1, it is sufficient that the rearward edge 12 of the sole 13 in accordance with FIG. 2 comes into engagement with the point 3' of the stepping spur 3. In this connection the stepping spur pivots about its joint axes A2 on the housing, whereby the retainer is moved out of the position in FIG. 2 into the position in accordance with FIG. 1.

Thus, it is not necessary that the stepping spur or its point be seized by the bottom side 14 of the boot.

Thus, it likewise is not necessary that the height of the rearward sole edge 12 is equal to the distance between the sole retainer part 2 of the stepping spur 3. The rearward end of the sole thus need not be introduced between the parts 2, 3. In this manner, the difficulties mentioned above are avoided. The simultaneous movement of the stepping spur by means of the sole edge 12 is further simplified with modern ski boots in that there this edge extends not vertically, but obliquely with respect to the bottom side 14 of the ski boot (see FIG. 2). However, it is also within the scope of the invention that for the stepping down of the retainer into the position of FIG. 1 the bottom side 14 of the ski boot can come into engagement with the forward part of the stepping spur. If desired, it is possible to provide at the forward point 3' of the stepping spur a roller which is not illustrated in order to reduce the friction, the axis of rotation of which extends parallel to axis A2.

The compulsory simultaneous movement of the stepping spur during rocking of the crank 4 and vice versa can be realized structurally in different manners. In accordance with the embodiment of FIGS. 1, 2, the stepping spur 3 is connected with the crank 4 in a nonrotating manner, while for structural simplification this rotation resisting connection location may coincide with the joint axis A2 of the crank on housing 1. The rotation resistant mounting of the crank 4 on the stepping spur 3 may be effected, for example, by means of a welt 4. These two parts may also be produced as a unitary element.

The arrangement may be such that the stepping spur 3 extends substantially vertically when in the retaining position and is thus located in the forward area of the housing (see FIG.1). In this position, it can shield the forward end of the housing against the entrance of snow and ice, while its point 3' is directed downwardly. On the other hand, in the release position in accordance with FIG. 2, the point 3' is rocked forwardly and upwardly in clockwise direction so that the stepping spur extends from the housing obliquely or as the case may be also horizontally with respect to the surface of the ski. Thus, the stepping spur is withdrawn during riding operation where it would interfere.

The stepping spur in accordance with a further feature of the invention may cooperate with the pressure spring 8 in a manner that the spring presses the retainer either in retaining position (FIG. 1) or after overcoming a deadpoint into the released position (FIG. 2).

For this a pressure surface may be provided on the stepping spur which, in accordance with the invention, comprises two pressure surface portions 9, 10, which cooperate with the forward end of the spring cup 11 that encompasses the spring. The surface parts 9, 10 define an angle between them. The arrangement is such that in the retaining position the spring presses the parts of the retainer into this position (FIG. 1) by way of the cup 11 and the surface portion 10, and retains them in this position. In the release position, however, the spring presses against the surface portion 9 by way of the cup 11 so that the parts of the retainer are held in this position. During the transition from the retaining position to the release position and vice versa, a deadpoint has to be overcome. The deadpoint position is established when the connecting line through the axis A2 and the comer edge 17 where the surface portions 9, l0 meet, is disposed vertically with respect to the engagement surface of the cup 11.

The embodiment in accordance with FIGS. 3a and 3b indicates that the construction of the crank and/or the stepping spur and furthermore the manner of cooperation of these two parts can be realized in another manner within the scope of the invention. The crank here identified at 15 is L-shaped and is encompassed as illustrated at one of its legs 15 by the stepping spur 16 which is of U-shaped cross-section. FIG. 3a illustrates the retaining position and FIG. 3b the released position. The remaining structural elements of the retainer are only partly shown because they correspond exactly to the embodiment in accordance with FIGS. 1, 2. It is not absolutely necessary when changing from the position of FIG. 3b to that of FIG. 3a that the stepping spur vl6 still engages the leg 15' of the crank which it encompasses after the deadpoint has been overcome, but

rather it can then also be directed forwardly as illustrated and thereby be removed from the forward engagement surface of leg 15'. The front surface of the stepping spur in this position is approximately in alignment with the front surface 1' of the housing.

This embodiment provides the advantage that the stepping spur 16 covers the opening 18 in the front wall 1' of the housing completely against the entrance of snow and ice because its bottom edge 16 can come into engagement with the front surface 1" of the housing. The fact that there is a space 19 between the stepping spur l6 and the leg in the retaining position according to FIG. 3a, affords two advantages. For one thing, the stepping spur 16 does not project too far from the front surface 1" in the released position (FIG. 3b). On the other hand, the retainer is thereby enabled to be elastically biased upwardly from the retaining position and before the deadpoint position is reached, it can spring back without the crank 15, or its leg 15 can move the stepping spur forwardly and thus press against the edge of the sole. This could result in interference.

In the embodiment in accordance with FIGS. 5 and 6, FIG. 5 illustratesthe retaining position in a manner analogous to that shown in FIGS. 1, 1a and FIG. 6 the released position in a manner analoguous to FIGS. 2, 3b, while FIG. 6 simultaneously illustrates the rearward boot portion in action. The embodiment in accordance with FIGS. 5 and 6 is essentially equivalent to that of FIGS. 1 and 2, except for the following differences:

Here the component 22 is a part of the crank and in accordance with numeral 4' it is welded to form a unitary member therewith. However, it no longer operates as the stepping spur that controls the movement. For that purpose there rather serves the stepping spur 20 which at 21 is linked to the front wall of the housing. It is rocked forwardly in clockwise direction by member 22 during the transition from the retaining position (FIG. 5) to the release position (FIG. 6). If, in accordance with FIG. 6, it is seized by heel 13 or its rearward edge 12, it rocks the part 22 about axis A2 and thus effects the rearward movement of the retainer into'the retaining position in accordance with FIG. 5. Also in this embodiment the advantages and operations are obtained that have been explained in connection with the embodiments of FIGS. 1, 2, 3a and 3b.

Thus, it is not necessary for the stepping spur and crank to have a common location of linkage such as the linkage position A2. Rather as shown by the embodiments of FIGS. 5 and 6, the stepping spur may be linked on in another manner or at another position, and the coupling movement between stepping spur and crank may be realized in a different manner than in the embodiment of FIGS. 1, 2.

Also the action of the spring on the retainer may take place in a different manner without departing from the scope of the invention. This is also shown by FIGS. 5, 6 where the release spring 8 acts on the crank which in this case is defined by parts 22, 4.

The heel retainer proposed in accordance with the invention may furthermore be provided with manual releasing means which are not illustrated in the drawings, but which can be a unitary component together with the crank 4 or 22, 4. The manual release could also engage the crank, or effect the release by way of drawbars, levers or the like, as is the case in the example shown in connection with US. Pat. No. 3,378,271. The stationary mounting of the base member on the ski may either be completely rigid or elastic by interposing a spring.

Having now described the invention with reference to the embodiments illustrated, what I desire to protect by letters patent of the United States is set forth in the appended claims.

- I claim:

1. Heel retainer for a ski binding with biasing means comprising a housing having a sole retaining portion and an aperture at the forward end, a stepping spur intermediate said spring biasing means and said aperture, a base member for fixed securement on the ski, a forward, horizontal axis pivoted on said base member and extending transversely of the longitudinal extent of the ski, a crank supporting said spur proximate said aperture, said housing, said crank and said spur being movable about said forward axis, said biasing means comprising a spring bearing against said spur, means provided in said base member slidably guiding the rearward part of said housing, said crank being linked to said housing ahead of said axis in the retaining position of the crank when said sole retaining portion is in operative position, said spur beingmovably journalled on said housing by way of said crank and said crank being operatively related to said spur in a manner to move said spur into a position where it transfers pressure to the heel of a ski boot outside the housing through said aperture as the housing is rocked from the retaining position to the release position and to permit return of said spur intosaid housing as the housing is rocked from the release position to the retaining position.

2. Heel retainer for a ski binding in accordance with claim 1, wherein said stepping spur is rigidly connected with said crank.

3. Heel retainer for a ski binding in accordance with claim 2, where in the retaining position the stepping spur is disposed substantially vertically in the forward part of said housing, while in the releasing position said spur extends through said aperture at an angle relative to the surface of the ski.

4!. Heel retainer for a ski binding in accordance with claim 1, where said spring biasing means includes a spring acting on said stepping spur.

' 5. Heel retainer for a ski binding in accordance with claim 4 where said stepping spur represents a pressure surface operative to compress said spring as the housing is moved from the retaining position to the release position.

6. Heel retainer in accordance with claim 5, including a spring cup disposed around one end of said spring and said stepping spur has two pressure surfaces disposed at an angle to one another, one said pressure surface engaging the end of said cup in the retaining position, and the other pressure surface engaging said cup in the releasing position of said retainer. 

1. Heel retainer for a ski binding with biasing means comprising a housing having a sole retaining portion and an aperture at the forward end, a stepping spur intermediate said spring biasing means and said aperture, a base member for fixed securement on the ski, a forward, horizontal axis pivoted on said base member and extending transversely of the longitudinal extent of the ski, a crank supporting said spur proximate said aperture, said housing, said crank and said spur being movable about said forward axis, said biasing means comprising a spring bearing against said spur, means provided in said base member slidably guiding the rearward part of said housing, said crank being linked to said housing ahead of said axis in the retaining position of the crank when said sole retaining portion is in operative position, said spur being movably journalled on said housing by way of said crank and said crank being operatively related to said spur in a manner to move said spur into a position where it transfers pressure to the heel of a ski boot outside the housing through said aperture as the housing is rocked From the retaining position to the release position and to permit return of said spur into said housing as the housing is rocked from the release position to the retaining position.
 2. Heel retainer for a ski binding in accordance with claim 1, wherein said stepping spur is rigidly connected with said crank.
 3. Heel retainer for a ski binding in accordance with claim 2, where in the retaining position the stepping spur is disposed substantially vertically in the forward part of said housing, while in the releasing position said spur extends through said aperture at an angle relative to the surface of the ski.
 4. Heel retainer for a ski binding in accordance with claim 1, where said spring biasing means includes a spring acting on said stepping spur.
 5. Heel retainer for a ski binding in accordance with claim 4 where said stepping spur represents a pressure surface operative to compress said spring as the housing is moved from the retaining position to the release position.
 6. Heel retainer in accordance with claim 5, including a spring cup disposed around one end of said spring and said stepping spur has two pressure surfaces disposed at an angle to one another, one said pressure surface engaging the end of said cup in the retaining position, and the other pressure surface engaging said cup in the releasing position of said retainer. 